(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia men's basketball played host to rival Madonna on Saturday afternoon in WHAC conference play. The Cardinals looked to build off their thrilling double-overtime victory against Lawrence Tech earlier in the week. CUAA stayed close throughout the entire contest, but Madonna eventually secured an 80-73 win.
Kip French led the team with 22 points. Colton Ritsema finished second with 17 points. Jayden Priddy finished third with 13 points. Devyn Jones was just shy of a double-double with a team-high 9 rebounds and 10 points.
Devyn Jones opened the scoring with a layup. Jayden Priddy knocked down a jumper and Kip French drilled a triple in a close early game. Madonna used an 8-0 run to jump out to a 15-7 lead until Colton Ritsema ended the run with a layup.
Kip French drove for a scoop shot and Colton Ritsema knocked down a 3-pointer as the Cardinals continued to inch closer. Free throws from Jayden Priddy cut the deficit to 18-16, but another 8-0 Madonna runs to put the Crusaders up by double digits with 7:26 left to play.
Concordia used a 7-0 run to trim the deficit with a layup from Devyn Jones, a triple from Kip French, and free throws from Jayden Priddy. Matt Lockhart added two free throws and Colton Ritsema made a 3-pointer over a defender. Zac Clark made free throws and Kip French drilled a triple, but CUAA trailed 36-35 at halftime.
Colton Ritsema scored inside for Concordia's first second-half basket. Ritsema added two more inside buckets and a corner 3-pointer from Kip French kept the Cardinals within 3 points. Zac Clark scored a layup and both French and Colton Ritsema knocked down 3-pointers to cut the deficit to 54-52.
Jayden Priddy made a 3-pointer and Devyn Jones scored a layup, but Madonna continued to stay in front answering the Cardinal baskets. Concordia pulled within 2 points multiple times in the last several minutes on a triple from Kip French and a layup from Devyn Jones. Matt Lockhart made two blocks and a late 3-pointer, but Madonna came away with the 80-73 win.
Concordia will play their next game at Cornerstone on Tuesday, January 25 at 7:30 pm.
